Liturgical ministries

Among the many ministries at St. Barnabas, several of them support the worship services. They are:

Acolytes help lead the worship at the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist. Acolytes serve in teams of three or four and range from 5th grade through high school. Each fall there is training for new acolytes and refresher training for current or previous acolytes. This ministry welcomes both boys and girls.

The major responsibilities of the Altar Guild are preparation of the altars in the church and chapel for Sunday and weekday services. The Altar Guild ensures that the linens and hangings are properly laundered and that the right color for various church liturgical seasons are hanging.

Communion assistants help with the worship and the Eucharist, including leading the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People. They administer the Chalice, the Blood of Christ (the wine) during the Eucharist, and when required, the Body of Christ (the bread).

The Flower Guild creates arrangements not only for the Sanctuary but also for the Chapel and prepares two arrangements for the Altar Flower Delivery ministry. Special arrangements are created for Christmas and Easter.

Greeters and ushers. Members of the Greeters’ Team extend a warm welcome to all individuals who attend worship services on Sunday mornings at 10:00, on Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday, and at other special services. The Usher Ministry consists of a team of five members for the 10 a.m. service. The average commitment for an usher is slightly more than once per month. Ushers are available for funerals or memorial services when requested.

Lesson readers. Readers are parishioners of all ages who read the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament lessons at each service throughout the year.

About our worship

We use the Book of Common Prayer to guide us through worship, special holy days, sacraments such as baptism and marriage, and funerals.

The Lectionary is the three-year cycle of Scripture readings that we use throughout the church year, which begins with the first Sunday of Advent.

A booklet about baptisms, marriages or funerals at St. Barnabas’ is provided when meeting with the Rector to help your planning.

Holy Eucharist (Communion)

The Holy Eucharist is central to the life of St. Barnabas' Church, and is celebrated at all weekend services. Worshippers of all ages are invited to receive Communion.

Holy Baptism

Baptism marks our entrance into the Church, the body of Christ. Baptism is available for all ages. St. Barnabas offers classes for adults, and for parents who wish to have their child/children baptized.

Baptism is normally reserved for the Feast of All Saints (Sunday closest to November 1), the Baptism of Our Lord (Sunday after Epiphany), the Easter Vigil, Pentecost and the Pastoral Visit of the Bishop.

Confirmation

Confirmation is offered for adults and for youth 13 years old and over at the time of the Bishop's annual Pastoral Visit. Prospective members from other Christian denominations or persons who wish to renew their Baptismal Vows are also presented at this service Preparation classes are scheduled at various times throughout the year.

Memorial and Funeral Services

Memorial or Funeral Services are conducted for members of St. Barnabas. Services may also be arranged for family members of parishioners. Memorial or Funeral services are planned in consultation with the clergy. Please contact the church office (302-994-6607) when this need arises.

Weddings

Weddings are arranged in consultation with the clergy. Several counseling sessions are required for all those who wish to be married at St. Barnabas. Remarriages are permitted in the Episcopal Church. If you are considering marriage, please contact the church office (302-994-6607) as soon as possible.

About the Episcopal Church

For more information about the Episcopal Church and its mission in Delaware, the United States and the world, visit these links: